The Ministry of Commerce prohibits writing the name of God on bags and packaging

The Saudi Ministry of Commerce has issued strict directives to all commercial establishments and markets, mandating a complete ban on writing the name of God or any of His beautiful names on plastic bags, paper wrappers, and boxes used for packaging products and goods. This decision stems from a deep commitment to honoring God's sacred symbols and respecting His names and attributes, and protecting them from the disrespect they might suffer when such packaging is disposed of in waste containers or discarded in public places.

Guidelines for Chambers of Commerce and Establishments

To implement this decision, the Ministry sent official letters to the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and all chambers of commerce across the Kingdom's various regions and governorates. The Ministry instructed the chambers to urgently disseminate this directive to all their members, including merchants, manufacturers, and suppliers, as well as all commercial establishments. This measure aims to ensure that the instructions reach all relevant sectors, from printing presses and packaging companies to retail outlets, guaranteeing that commercial designs are modified to comply with religious values ​​and applicable regulations.

Field monitoring and regulatory procedures

The Ministry of Commerce affirmed that it will not merely issue directives, but that its inspection teams will conduct intensive and comprehensive inspection tours in all markets, shopping centers, and warehouses across the Kingdom. These tours aim to monitor and address any practices that violate these instructions. The Ministry vowed to take all necessary deterrent legal measures against violators who are found to be continuing to print or use packaging bearing the name of God in a manner that disrespects it, in order to preserve the sanctity of these names.

Religious and social dimensions of the decision

This decision is of paramount importance in both the local and Islamic context, as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the Qibla of Muslims and the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, making it a pioneer in implementing regulations that promote respect for Islamic values. It is well-established in Islamic law and custom that commercial bags and packaging are typically discarded after use, and the presence of the name of God on them in such places contradicts the obligation to show reverence and respect for God's name. This directive reflects a profound awareness of the need to separate commercial and marketing symbols from sacred religious symbols, ensuring they are not subjected to any form of unintentional disrespect by consumers or sanitation workers.

Private sector responsibility

This decision places an ethical and regulatory responsibility on business owners and graphic designers, requiring them to review all packaging designs and visual identities for their products. This approach encourages companies to innovate in their designs and use alternative marketing phrases that do not include sacred religious texts, thus enhancing compliance with regulations and protecting businesses from violations. At the same time, it reinforces the Islamic identity of Saudi society, which is based on respecting sacred values ​​in the smallest details of daily life.